5-7-07I
decided to replace my Tunze skimmer with an Aqua
C Remora. I have read very good reviews of it, and I liked the hang-on-back
aspect because it doesn't require ongoing adjustments as the water level changes
in the tank.

I have only had
it a couple of weeks, but so far it looks like a good choice. Thanks to a
couple of screw ups I accidentally received two of them. And the differences
between the two skimmers--that are the same model--are interesting. Click
on the pictures for larger versions...as you can see the collection cup lids
are quite different, as are the maze-like paths for water. I was fortunate
for the mistake because I believe the first skimmer I received (skimmer B)
does not work properly. It was louder, made more erratic noise, released more
microbubbles into the tank, and just didn't seem to skim as well.

I don't know
the reason for all of it but I have an idea that the water maze may be a reason
for the bubbles and poor skimming. The maze in skimmer A in my mind works
better because it comes very

close to the
bottom. This makes it much less likely that bubbles will be released into
the tank. Instead more will float up into the chamber below the collection
cup. [For clarification the intake for the skimmer is on the right side in
the photos, the collection cup is dead center, and the exit is on the left.]

I have no way
of knowing what differences may exist within the PVC pipe that the powerhead
connects to. This is where the bubbles are created, and therefore the source
of the noise. Since the noise levels and character of noise are different
it makes me think that something inside there is also different.

I think this
skimmer has promise and will update if my experience begs it. But I think
that the maker needs to perfect the design and/or improve quality control,
because clearly not everyone is getting the same AquaC Remora skimmer.